2009 Season, Game Post

Game 2009.108: Twins at Tigers

166 Comments

PREGAME: The Tigers come into this series having just won 2 of 8 games they’ve played against the Twins this year. That’s not good, but with 6 of the 8 games so far coming in the Metrodome it is at least understandable. With this weekend’s games in Detroit though there are no excuses and the Tigers need to take care of business.

The Twins are sitting 4.5 games out of the lead while the Tigers cling to a 2 game buffer in the Central. This is a big series for both teams with the Tigers needing to take care of things while at home and the Twins trying to stay in the race.

Minnesota sends out Anthony Swarzak. The numbers aren’t overly impressive (3.1 BB/9, 5.0 K/9) but he is a 23 year old roookie and with a 4.69 ERA over his first 9 starts he is holding his own. In his brief career his numbers are much better on the road where he has held the opposition to a .534 OPS in 4 starts.

Armando Galarraga gets the start for Detroit. Galarraga was pummeled by the Indians last Sunday kind of erasing some of the progress he had made over his last handful of starts. He’ll be throwing to the Alex Avila again. On the radio pregame show Leyland wanted Avila to catch for Porcello and Galarraga because he felt they were the easiest to catch. I don’t know what that means exactly, but I like the fact he gets to play back to back days.

Minnesota vs. Detroit – August 7, 2009 | MLB.com: Gameday

POSTGAME: This game had a little bit of everything. Early offense. Dramatic plays at the plate. An ejection. A near come back. It even had some good pitching (Brian Duensing fanned 5 and last 4.2 innings saving the Twins bullpen from disarray).

  • Alex Avila is making everyone in the Tigers organization look like a genius, and making me look like an idiot for questioning the move. I’d grown leary of calling up a prospect to provide a spark. It’s only been 2 games but so far the sparking is working.
  • Give credit for Leyland sticking with Galarraga after 2 awful innings. He managed to chew through 3 more innings after that. Not that Galarraga was good, but he did make it through 5.
  • On the Granderson play, I was in the car and didn’t see it. The replay available online is inconclusive so I won’t comment on the call.
  • I loved Carlos Guillen going for home on that play. Yeah, he was out, but I don’t mind a smart attempt at a hustle play, and coming after 4 runs it wasn’t a bad gamble. My favorite part of the play though was Rod Allen’s uncontrollable giggling when Guillen was clearly gassed on those last 90 feet.
  • That good bullpenning the Tigers had been getting bailed on them last night with Perry and Rodney both surrendering multiple runs. And Brandon Lyon had already done the heavy lifting for Rodney by getting Mauer/Morneau in the 8th.
  • Yes, the Tigers weren’t good in runner on third less than 2 out situations again, but they did playte 10 runs so it makes it a little harder to complain.

166 thoughts on “Game 2009.108: Twins at Tigers”

  1. I assumed the “easy to catch” part was less chance of wild pitches etc but Porcello throws a lot more than, say, Jackson. Neither guy is going to be unleashing 98 mph heat though.

    It could have more to do with either/or not messing with the front end of the rotation, and not having to deal with pitchers who are going to be saying “nope, try again” to his signs.

  2. Why do you like having Avila catch on consecutive days? Wouldn’t it make more sense to spread out the off-days for Laird?

    1. The guy is a .500 career hitter with a 1.250 career OPS!! (small sample size be damned!) What else does he have to do to play every day?! 😉

      1. And Porcello is a career .400 hitter. Who else has got a battery like that?

        Speaking of Avila, someone was saying his swing reminded him of a young Giambi. And speaking of Giambi, he’s now available, the A’s just booted him…

        1. It was Clete who reminded me of a young Giambi.
          I think Avila’s batting stance is like Granderson’s, but his swing is more like Kirk Gibson’s.

          BTW, Giambi is injured.

          1. Interesting…I actually had the Gibson thought myself, then decided that was silly (perhaps facial-stubble inspired?)…hmm. Then again someone else was reminded of Piazza, so there may just be a strong “blank slate” effect going…

            Giambi may be hurt but he isn’t DL-injured or they couldn’t have cut him.

        1. His nonexistence is clearly a major reason for his ability to strike out batters in fewer than 3 pitches.

          Think about it.

          1. Clearly though this shows one area where DD was caught unprepared; we could have had Halladay for almost nothing if we had even one half-decent imaginary prospect in our system. I thought maybe Iorg, but it turns out he’s an actual guy apparently.

    2. It might have more to do with giving Laird consecutive days of rest. The Tigers are in a stretch of playing in 17 consecutive days without a day off. Next day off is August 17th.

      As for Avila, he could DH some games in between.
      I wouldn’t mind seeing Clete in RF, Guillen in LF, and Avila at DH in some games.

      1. I don’t expect to see too much of that–there’s an old rule of thumb in the Manager’s Handbook that you always keep a backup catcher on the bench just in case; normally I would think Emergency Inge would be good enough for that but not with his knees.

        1. On the other hand, the Twins DH Mauer and catch Redmond quite a bit. Occasionally they have had a third catcher when Gardenhire does this, but usually not. Have no fear of the EM doing this though.

  3. Crap. Smoltz was just DFA’d. I was hoping he’d get one more chance vs Tigers. Who knows, maybe Smoltz would of had success!

  4. “A waiver claim has been placed on Toronto Blue Jays right fielder Alex Rios”

    Nobody knows who made the claim yet. Could it possibly be the Tigers? I hope not. I hope so. I don’t know what to think. I guess if money is of no concern, then why not? but it would be stupid overall.
    http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4384253

    1. The rumor is SF Giants (although, like Detroit, what they really want is a Lefty). The funny thing is 2 years ago the Giants were trying to get the Jays to send them Rios for either Lincecum or Matt Cain.

      File that one at the top of the list under the heading “Things That Make GMs Say OMG I’d Be SO Fired.”

    2. Blue Jays are most likely just testing the waters to see who is interested. I’m sure they will pull him off waivers now, as these are revocable waivers. All teams do this at this time of year. The Tigers may have even put players on waivers (Ordonez?)

      1. Most teams put a bunch of guys on waivers; billfer ran a list of probably Tigers and it’s pretty much all of them except the untouchables.

        And no doubt the majority of waiver claims are made just to keep teams from being able to trade the guys; I’d put my money on the Yankees claiming Rios so the Red Sox couldn’t get him, or the Red Sox claiming Rios so the Yankees couldn’t get him.

        At any rate I’d be shocked if the Tigers are pursuing him–with defense being a priority and Rios being no upgrade over Ordonez in the field, plus character issues (he was once-described as a 5-tool player, now frequently simply as a tool), it seems possible but very unlikely.

      2. The Blue Jays should dump him if they can. I’d want Toronto to pay a chunk of his salary, otherwise he’s not worth much in a trade.

  5. Pavano to Twins-they probably did that just for the Tigers as he can’t pitch well against anybody else.

  7. Can someone explain to me the waiver process? So a person that cleared waivers can get claimed. If that person gets claimed wha happens? What do other teams do when a peson gets claimed they what?

    1. Most if not all players are placed on waivers in the next month.

      So for example, We will probably put Carlos Guillen on waivers sometime this month. Then each team has a chance to claim him starting with the worst record in the AL. Then going to the Best in the AL. Then to NL and repeat.
      For example
      Once a player is claimed, the Tigers in this case would have 3 choices.

      1. Attempt to trade him to the team that claimed him.
      2. Take him back, with no penalty..Besides maybe some hurt feelings from Carlos.
      3. Let the claiming team, take Guillen and his entire contract for nothing.

      If a player “clears” waivers, it is not like DFA waivers, where we now can send them to the minors we still can’t do that. Nothing happens really. Except the Tigers in this case could trade Guillen to anyone, anytime until the end of the season.

      In an interesting case, Alex Rios for Toronto was put on and claimed on waivers by some unknown team. It’ interesting because Rios has 60 million left on his contract and Tor may just let Rios and the contract go for nothing.

  8. One thing, let’s not let Nick Punto beat us tonight. Mauer or Mourneau is one thing, but not Punto or the other Twin light-hitters.

    And for my sanity, don’t walk him.

  17. Oh Guillen, that’s some comic relief. Looked like he tried a little league inside the ball parker!

  23. It wasn’t worth the risk of injury for Guillen to try decellerating once he got running that fast; besides Lamont couldn’t help him, he went home after the 4th guy went by him tonight figuring that must have been the whole game.

  25. What an absolute bomb by Avila. Now Armando needs to actually put some zeroes up. We need to keep these rabbits off the bases.

  28. I don’t think their “rabbitness” will be an issue, unless they also multiply like rabbits

      1. Okay, neither starter is exactly on his game tonight. This could be a long game with this much offense. Just as long as the Tigers come out on top – I’ll take it 🙂

    2. If we score 6 more runs here, then I don’t care who pitches. Lambert scares me more than Galarraga though.

  37. Old Two Pitch Polly actually saw 5 pitches that AB. Take note Placido: good things come to those who wait.

  39. That’s the first time this season Grandy has started the game getting on 1st twice with no Polanco GIDP. The omens are favorable.

  42. I’m already missing that starting pitcher. Besides, if you’re naming a character who’s a cop in your TV series, you could do worse than Tony Swarzak.

  43. Nice start in Chicago, too. Single, error, HBP and the Indians have ’em loaded with 0 outs.

    EDIT: Indians only got 1 run because, well, they’re the Indians.

  44. Did anybody else catch the closeup replay of the Avila HR before his AB just now? He was QUICK to that high fastball.

  46. these guys on Fox can’t even get their question right. Highest average for a catcher? It was Bill Dickey who hit .401 in 1930. What’s with this Ewing crap? They don’t know sh*t from shine-ola I guess……

  47. 2 more for the Tribe. Buehrle has been brutal though. He’s given up 15 runs in the last 7 innings he’s pitched.

  49. Either way I got the question wrong. I guessed Treanor 2009. Oh wait, it’s highest average.

    1. Coleman, hows it going?,,,,,,,,,,, Lots of posts…… nice to see. Looks like you had a 5 hour energy drink and going for the Billfer-Ross Posting Trophy.

  50. I’m happy that Galarraga got his 5 innings in, now it’s time for the pen.

  52. Wow according to gameday Cabrera had a 6 pitch 2-2 count before that hit–without a single pitch even being close to the strike zone

  53. Have to say, most SS would of caught that ball thrown by Morneau. Orlando Cabrera is just terrible. Thank you Twins for picking him up!

  54. Well don’t want to disappoint anyone now do I?

    I wouldn’t presume to be after the BRPT though…it’s a long season, and Smoking Loon could very well show up in September and drop a quick thousand posts on us…

    1. BRPT >> Im an old guy, 50 in 7 months help a guy out.

      What ever happened to Smokin Loon and David the 2 foot poster, half brother to Inge?. I havent seen those guys here in a while.

      1. Smoking Loon I fear was victim of mistaken species identification during duck season.

        Footlong Dave was seen not so long ago posting from Hawaii…I’m guessing he was the victim of mellowness and renounced Ty Cobb.

  55. Does anyone do anything different than Nemos before a game. I am going to be in the D for the next Seattle series and going to make it to 3 games. While I like the Nemos experience, I was looking for something else, including transportation. I would rather spend 20 for food than asphalt

  60. wowsa i want to say avila’s my tiger but i’m afraid smokey will get an urge for some pineapple in sept.

  62. When was the last time Laird had a 4 RBI game for the Tigers? Never. He never even had a 3 RBI game. He had 5 RBI’s in all of July. He had just 5 Rbi’s in June. Laird you are officially my new whipping boy.

    Avila has 5 rbi’s in just 7 ab’s. Amazing start for the kid.

      1. And 49 isn’t that old. Unless….you don’t mean to say you aren’t a left-handed pitcher? Oh dear…

  69. Thanks Jason, the fishbones site looks great lot to do before and after.

    Have you ever eaten at Chelios’ place?

  70. That could have been a lot worse. Nice job by Perry to come back and not have a total blow up inning.

  71. I know the Twins will complain about the missed call in the 1st. But does anyone remember the same thing happening to the Tigers in 2006 or 2007? Guillen tags a guy between 2nd and 3rd, umpire misses it and it leads to a big inning.

    I swear it was against Minnesota, or maybe Seattle, KC?

    1. That’s not a bad idea on their behalf. With Verlander pitching, they’ll need all the help they can get.

  73. Jeez, the kid’s only been with the club for two days and already he has the K with a runner on 3rd and less than two out disease.

    2. I’m expecting him to at least hit a double every ab now. Anything else is a huge disappointment. 🙂

    3. Laird had a private talk with him. Probably told him he’s got his monthly quota already and he can stop hitting now.

  74. Inge actually has a decent shot to lead the league in HBP–he has 12 now (2nd), Shoppach leads with 15, which isn’t really fair since he’s on Cleveland. (Don’t ask me why, but something about the Indians just makes pitchers throw at them. They lead the league with 64!! Boston is 2nd with 47. League avg is 34…)

    Last Tiger to lead the league: Chet Lemon

    (Mostly I just wanted to have a post which included the name “Chet Lemon”)

    1. Shoppach has two homeruns tonight, so perhaps his league leading total will go up during the series with Chi.

      1. Wow, on Cleveland AND hitting homeruns, he should probably wear a flak jacket tomorrow.

        I haven’t found another team stat yet where the 1st place team leads the 2nd by almost 50%. There are 4 guys with 10 HBP: Shoppach CLE (15) Inge DET (12) Choo CLE (11) Garko CLE (10). Just weird.

        Chet doesn’t have the Tigers’ season record though, that would be ol’ Bill Freehan (24, 1968), who is also the Tiger career leader (114, ow).

        Oh hey look at that, Inge is actually 7th all-time in Tiger HBP (54), 1 behind Mr. Kaline.

        Then a huge gap to 4th and 5th, Norm Cash and Ty Cobb (85), and 2nd and 3rd (Damion Easley and Chet Lemon, 87. Damion Easley?)

    1. I’m actually surprised the Twins put Nathan in in this situation. Seems a funny time to work your closer in a big series.

  79. Chet Lemon was so old school he definately used to lean into anyone’s pitch just to get hit..

    1. Now that’s more like it, I’ve been wanting an abbreviation for that, that’s a lot of typing, considering how often it comes up. (Of course it seems obvious to use the less than sign until you try it, and it truncates your post).

  82. I was kind of surprised to see Nathan out there but then I saw where he has not pitched in a week.

  85. Boy I agree … really wouldn’t you like to know what Smokey was thinking, Lyon could coast it out and have a fresh Rodney for Saturday………

      1. So is Lyon the official closer plan B now? He has really turned it around…no jinx intended. (Fernando, 22/23 in save chances, wondering why I’ve even brought the subject up.)

    2. You can’t have everything. I’d rather have Lyon OK to go Saturday. He pitched 1.2 innings Yesterday and 1 inning Today. Don’t want to abuse him too much. Had he pitched the 9th inning Today, he’d be unavailable Tomorrow when we might really need him.

      Rodney was warmed up anyway because it was a save situation before Nathan gave up the run. Why not pitch him? He is our closer after all.

      1. Well, mostly because in non-save situations he pitches like he did tonight. It took him 30 pitches which could well mean he may not be available tomorrow. With more than a 2-run lead I wouldn’t even warm Rodney up. On the positive side, Lyon only threw 15, so he should be available tomorrow and with Verlander going the chances that the bullpen gets taxed are pretty slim.

  86. Tough nite for Harris, got boned at third with Grandy and a 1 for 5er, 2 K and 5 LOB. He will be out until 3:00

  87. Rodney – always make it interesting, geez looks like he going to fall off the mound when he throws!

      1. Or, to put it another way, with Uncle Smokey at the helm Wally and Lou would have platooned the rest of the season.

        (I’d play Laird too actually; he’s been great behind the plate and that does matter).

  95. A wild one to be sure but any win is good now just need the Indians to hold on and it is a great night.

  96. Does Carl Pavano go mental Saturday because he thinks he is special now that someone really wanted him for the stretch. I hope we lay an 8 spot on him through 3 and hes out. He stiffed us three years ago, layed a giant egg in NYC and greed will always pay you back.

  97. Well if you are frustrated by our problems of at third and less than 2 out the WS just had bases juiced and no outs with Thome, Konerko and Pierzynski up and they went K, IF pop up and line out at 2nd for nothing. Made me happy but I am sure their fans weren’t.

  98. Out of the 8 plate appearances in which we had a runner on third, less than two outs, we managed to get the run home 3 times.

    Not good.

    Without Avila’s 4 two out RBI, this game is lost.

    1. I counted Inge’s HBP as a PA where he fails to get the run home, and I didn’t know what to do with Guillen getting to third with no-outs and STILL managing to “strand” himself.

      But if you want to count one and discount the other, I guess it’s a wash.

      When was the last time we had a sacrifice fly?

      1. Well our sac fly guy was on the bench (Laird leads the team). But his replacement did OK

      2. Where we come out a bit weak is on sac flies from the middle of the order. Here are some numbers for you (not counting today’s games):

        Sac Flies, 3-5 hitters:
        LAA 16
        CLE 15
        TEX 14
        OAK 13
        BOS 12
        TOR 12
        TBR 11
        MIN 11
        CHW 10
        SEA 10
        BAL 9
        NYY 6
        DET 6
        KCR 6

        Of course some teams have had more sac fly opportunities than others, still it gives you an idea.

        On the bright side: the Yankees have had the same problem and it hasn’t seemed to hurt them much…

    2. Not good, but pretty normal, we’re around 50% in success rate this season. It’s not the failures that cause hair loss though–it’s all the strikeouts (1 / 6 PA).
      Interestingly, another team that strikes out a lot–though a bit less than we do–is the White Sox (see Walter55 above).

    3. Fair enough, but without Thomas’ 2 RBI they’re tied, without Cabrera’s 3 RBI they lose, so on and so forth.

      Team game, team win.

      1. But Thomas’ 2 RBI were with <2 outs, Cabrera hit a 3-0 fastball with no outs. Even if they don't come through, there's a chance for someone behind them to.

        Avila's RBI were all with 2 outs, which in my mind makes them much more valuable.

  99. Nice win. Galarraga fought control problems and made it far enough to get the cheap W.
    Avila’s bat won the game for us though. Great call by DD to bring him up.

  100. lets get to ” special trade guy” Pavano tomorrow…….a definite hurt put on the Twins at that point

    1. If we do we have a good chance to sweep the Twins. And if we do sweep them there’s a good chance they’re done.

  101. These next two games are much more critical for the Twins than they are for the Tigers. Let’s shut them down!

  102. Pavano has definitely been tough on the Tigers…..some will pick Pavano I’ll take JV every time….let the game begin

  103. At least Laird doesn’t have to come up to bat late in a close game – the option to put Avila in on the games Laird starts is huge. My guess is Laird will step up and start hitting better now with this added pressure – if not, look for Laird to quickly step down to back-up catcher.

    Whatever it is – the stubble, quick powerful swing, determined look of confidence, Avila definitely reminds me of Kirk Gibson.

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